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Well-Known Skin Diseases Everyone Should Know About

Skin diseases can range from mild to life-threatening and are some of the most common medical conditions in the world. While there is a plethora of skin diseases that exist, there are five particular well-known skin diseases that everyone should be aware of.

Eczema: 

Eczema, commonly referred to as atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition that causes scaly and itchy rashes. Common symptoms of eczema include dry and scaly skin, redness, itching, and swelling. Although there is no cure for eczema, there are treatments available that can help manage the associated symptoms. These treatments include topical medications such as steroid creams, antihistamines to reduce itching, and phototherapy (light therapy) to improve the appearance of the skin. Other treatments may be needed in more severe cases.

Psoriasis:

Psoriasis is another type of skin disease that affects about 2% of the population. This chronic skin disorder causes raised patches of red or silver-colored scales on the skin due to an overactive immune system. Common symptoms include extreme dryness and itching of the affected areas as well as redness and inflammation. Treatment options vary depending on each case but some may include topical creams or ointments, light therapy, injections, oral medications such as methotrexate or biologics (molecular drugs), Dietary changes such as avoiding certain foods if they worsen flare-ups can also play a supportive role.

Rosacea:

Rosacea is a long-term chronic skin condition that most often affects middle-aged adults with fair complexions. It typically begins with flushing across the cheeks or nose but can progress into other persistent symptoms including persistent redness across the face (particularly around the nose), tiny spider veins visible across the nose and cheeks, bumps on the face resembling small pimples or acne lesions (called papules), thickening of facial tissues around the eyes or nose (known as rhinophyma), and severe burning sensations on areas where rosacea has developed. To properly diagnose rosacea your doctor will review your medical history along with performing a physical exam. Treatment options range from lifestyle changes such as avoiding triggers like spicy foods and alcohol to medications such as oral or topical antibiotics or laser/light therapy etc depending on how far along the condition has gone.

Acne Vulgaris:

Acne Vulgaris is a very common inflammatory skin condition caused by excess sebum production leading to plugged pores that then become inflamed due to bacteria growth within them. Symptoms involve various types of bumps on facial skin including whiteheads (closed comedones), blackheads (open comedones), pus-filled pimples (pustules), and deep cysts under the surface of the skin that are painful when touched (cystic acne). 

Treatments for acne vulgaris include cleansers containing alpha hydroxy acid or benzoyl peroxide; topical prescription medications such as retinoids; oral prescription antibiotics; hormonal birth control pills; isotretinoin; blue light therapy; chemical peels; laser therapies; among others depending on each case. 

Athlete's Foot (Tinea pedis):

Athlete’s Foot (Tinea pedis) is an infection caused by a fungus that usually appears between toes but may also spread elsewhere on the feet depending on the severity of the infection which can cause intense itchiness in those areas when left untreated for too long.

Since athletes’ foot thrives in warm moist environments, it's important for athletes especially to be aware of this issue so they take preventive measures before contracting it.

Prevention strategies could include changing socks often, mitigating and cleaning feet regularly, wearing properly fitting shoes instead of tight ones, avoid sharing towels among others.

If contracted however treatment options involve antifungal creams, sprays, gels, and powders amongst others.

Conclusion:

Overall, this new research provides insight into how various skin diseases influence molecular composition as well as microbiome diversity which could ultimately help us better understand how best to treat these conditions and improve patient outcomes. More studies will need to be conducted on larger sample sizes with particular attention given towards long-term maintenance plans for those suffering from these diseases but there seems to be hope for progress within this field during the coming years.

Dr. Sheilly Kapoor
Dermatology
Meet The Doctor
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